Core i5-7400 vs Core i7-4785T

Intel

Core i5-7400

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-4785T

4 Cores8 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i5-7400 vs Core i7-4785T Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-7400 vs Core i7-4785T FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-7400 vs Core i7-4785T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-7400

2017

Why buy it

  • Costs $12 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $306 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i7-4785T needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-4785T.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4785T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,477 vs 5,486).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i7-4785T

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +17.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • 4.1% HIGHER MSRP
    $306 MSRPvs$294 MSRP
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-7400 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-7400.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4785T better than Core i5-7400?
Yes. Core i7-4785T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 17.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4785T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 17.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4785T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4785T is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4785T comes in 4.1% more expensive on MSRP at $306 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-7400 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 3.9% better value on paper (18.6 vs 17.9 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-7400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7400 vs Core i7-4785T Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i5-7400

The Core i5-7400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,477 points. Launch price was $182.

Intel

Core i7-4785T

The Core i7-4785T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,486 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i5-7400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4785T's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-7400 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4785T — a 9% clock advantage for the Core i5-7400 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-7400 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4785T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7400 scores 5,477 against the Core i7-4785T's 5,486 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-4785T. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7400 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4785T.

FeatureCore i5-7400Core i7-4785T
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz+9%
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
3 GHz+36%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
5,477
5,486
Cinebench R23 Multi
3,359
Geekbench 6 Single
1,215
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,517
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7400 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4785T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-7400Core i7-4785T
Socket
LGA1151
LGA1150
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7400) / not specified (Core i7-4785T). The Core i5-7400 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-4785T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7400 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-7400 rivals Ryzen 3 3300X.

FeatureCore i5-7400Core i7-4785T
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Gaming
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7400 was priced at $294, while the Core i7-4785T came in at $306. On launch pricing ($294 vs $306), Core i5-7400 was $12 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7400 delivers 18.6 pts/$ vs 17.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-4785T — making the Core i5-7400 the 3.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-7400Core i7-4785T
MSRP
$294-4%
$306
Performance per Dollar
18.6+4%
17.9
Release Date
2017
2013

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